Luongo out 2-4 weeks with MCL injury

Florida Panthers netminder Roberto Luongo will be out longer than initially thought, as he's scheduled to miss two-to-four weeks with a Grade 1 MCL injury, head coach Bob Boughner said Monday.

On Sunday, it was reported that Luongo would miss at least a week after teammate Frank Vatrano fell on his leg in the Panthers' season opener.

With Luongo out, James Reimer will take over the starter role. Michael Hutchinson has been recalled from the AHL to serve as the backup.

The 39-year-old Luongo missed 27 games with a lower-body injury last season while posting a .929 save percentage across 33 starts. His health going forward will be a key factor for the Panthers and their playoff hopes.